The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Senior Operations Analyst / Process Improvement Manager (Internal)
3-5 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Leading complex process improvement projects, mentoring junior team members, developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills, gaining exposure to budget management.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led 2-3 significant cross-functional operational projects to completion.
- Consistently exceeded performance targets in previous role and demonstrated initiative.
- Received positive feedback on mentorship and informal leadership abilities.
- Proactively identified and proposed solutions to systemic operational issues.
- 2
Operations Manager (External, Mid-Sized Company)
5-8 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Managing a small team, owning a functional budget, driving operational KPIs, navigating stakeholder relationships in a less complex environment.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed a team of 3-5 direct reports with positive performance outcomes.
- Successfully owned a departmental budget (e.g., £250K-£500K).
- Demonstrated ability to implement operational improvements that delivered measurable cost savings or efficiency gains.
- Comfortable presenting operational performance to senior leadership.
- 3
Consultant (Operations / Process Excellence)
4-6 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Developing strong analytical frameworks, client management, project delivery, quickly understanding diverse operational contexts.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully delivered multiple operational improvement projects for clients.
- Strong ability to diagnose problems and propose structured solutions.
- Comfortable working with senior client stakeholders and managing expectations.
- Proven ability to adapt quickly to new industries and operational challenges.